September 2023 Newsletter

Alpine Watershed Group protects, conserves, and restores the watersheds of Alpine County by promoting sustainable community and science-based collaborative solutions.

Volunteer with Us!

Creek Day 2023 is this Saturday! Please RSVP using this link to fill out AWG’s waiver and help us plan for the number of volunteers. We will also communicate any logistics and last-minute updates via email to those who have signed up.

We are so grateful for the tremendous support received from our Creek Day sponsors to cover AWG’s staff time to organize and lead this event. Thank you to Alpine County Chamber of Commerce, Alpine County Tobacco Control Program, Bently Foundation, Carson Water Subconservancy District, Desolation Hotel, Lumos & Associates, Resource Concepts Inc., and Trout Unlimited-Sagebrush Chapter!

AWG Board Expands Again

This month we welcome Marklee Village resident Mary Young to the AWG board of directors. A civil engineer with experience with water and sewage treatment, flood control, and restoration projects, Mary’s professional expertise alongside her love for Alpine County’s tremendous recreational opportunities make her another great match to help lead AWG. Thank you for serving, Mary!

Read bios for Mary and the other AWG board members here.

AWG Volunteers Honored by National Award!

Because of our outstanding volunteers, Alpine Watershed Group has been awarded the 2022 Volunteers Program Citizen Stewardship and Partnerships Award from the US Forest Service. This national award recognizes public engagement and collaboration to accomplish the Forest Service mission of “Caring for the Land and Serving People.” Our watershed community was recognized for our dedication over the last 22 years to restoring the watershed and forest, which has been instrumental in improving local habitat. Our annual Creek Day event was given as an example of our long-term and consistent collaborative efforts with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest staff.

AWG staff work hard to provide updates and opportunities for community science, but this work is dependent on our community and volunteers! While AWG received the official award letter, this is your award. We look forward to celebrating this honor with all our volunteers during Creek Day. From all of us at AWG, thank you!

Harmful Algal Bloom at Indian Creek Reservoir

On August 30, the Regional Board issued a Danger Advisory for Indian Creek Reservoir due to toxic cyanobacteria detected in the water. Recreational users are advised to stay out of the water, avoid consumption of organisms from the water, and keep small children and dogs away. Sampling occurs at the reservoir monthly through a partnership from South Tahoe Public Utility District and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. For the most up-to-date details on HABs see the California Harmful Algal Blooms Portal.

Update on Faith Valley Meadow Closures

The US Forest Service has issued a closure order for the Faith Valley Meadow in effect through October 31, 2023. The closure was issued to ensure public and contractor safety as work on the Faith Valley Meadow Restoration Project continues. The dirt road adjacent to the meadow and surrounding campsites are closed, but there are still campsites available in the area. Access the full closure order here. Information regarding the restoration project can be found in our August Newsletter.

Contact Julie Fair at jfair@americanrivers.org for project information.

All Things Watersheds

Leaf Camera in Hope Valley – Thanks to Alpine County Chamber of Commerce and Desolation Hotel, now you can view the leaves in Hope Valley from your computer or phone! Leaf peepers can keep an eye on when the leaves change color here.
FireFest in South Lake Tahoe - On September 30 at Hard Rock Casino join agencies from around the Lake Tahoe Basin to learn more about living with fire and management of fire.
Fall Colors Event – Celebrate the fall colors in Hope Valley on Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8. Friends of Hope Valley will be leading history and nature hikes, tips on where to view the best colors, and more. AWG and other local groups will be there as well.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, September 23, 8:30 a.m. – Creek Day

Saturday, October 21 – Community Tree Planting Event

Our small nonprofit organization depends on donations to help support our water quality monitoring and restoration programs.

DONATE

Ways to Connect or Help

We always love to hear from our watershed community! Below are email links to reach AWG's staff, or reach us at AWG's office at (530) 694-2327. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Kimra McAfee, Executive Director

Rachel Kieffer, Headwaters Coordinator

Wes Mosley, Forest Health Coordinator

Contact Us!

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Until next time!

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PO Box 296 │ 50 Diamond Valley Road
Markleeville, CA | 96120 United States

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